Introduction
The TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus is a high-performance 4-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) device designed for demanding users in home, small office, and creative team environments. Powered by an Intel N150 Quad-Core CPU and 16GB DDR5 RAM, it offers robust data management, multimedia serving, and business backup capabilities. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your F4-425 Plus NAS.
Figure 1: TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus 4-Bay NAS Storage device.
Figure 2: Overview of the F4-425 Plus's core specifications and features.
1. Setup
1.1 Unboxing and Package Contents
Carefully unpack your TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus. Ensure all components are present:
- TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus NAS unit
- Power adapter and power cord
- Ethernet cable
- Screws for 2.5-inch drives (if applicable)
- Quick Installation Guide
1.2 Hardware Installation
1.2.1 Hard Drive (HDD) Installation
The F4-425 Plus features tool-free installation for 3.5-inch HDDs. For 2.5-inch drives, screws are provided.
- Gently press the release button on the drive tray and pull it out.
- For 3.5-inch HDDs, align the drive with the tray and snap it into place. For 2.5-inch drives, secure it with the provided screws.
- Slide the loaded drive tray back into the empty bay until it clicks securely.
Figure 3: Tool-free installation process for 3.5-inch hard disk drives.
Figure 4: Illustrates the smooth sliding of drive trays into the NAS enclosure.
1.2.2 M.2 SSD Installation
The F4-425 Plus includes three M.2 slots for SSD cache or independent storage pools.
- Remove the outer casing of the NAS by unscrewing the rear screws.
- Locate the M.2 slots on the motherboard.
- Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at an angle and gently push down to secure it with the provided screw or clip.
- Replace the outer casing and secure the screws.
Figure 5: The three M.2 SSD slots provide flexible storage or caching options.
Figure 6: Detailed view of the three M.2 slots, each capable of holding up to 8TB SSDs.
1.2.3 RAM Upgrade (Optional)
The F4-425 Plus comes with 16GB DDR5 RAM. If you wish to upgrade, follow these steps:
- Remove the outer casing as described for M.2 SSD installation.
- Locate the DDR5 SO-DIMM slot.
- Gently push the clips on either side of the existing RAM module to release it.
- Insert the new RAM module, ensuring it is correctly oriented, and push down until the clips lock it into place.
- Replace the outer casing and secure the screws.
1.3 Connecting the NAS
Connect the necessary cables to the rear panel of the F4-425 Plus.
- Power: Connect the power adapter to the DC IN port and plug it into a power outlet.
- Network: Connect one or both 5GbE LAN ports to your network router or switch using the provided Ethernet cable(s).
- HDMI: The HDMI port is for terminal output only, not for video display.
- USB: Utilize the USB 10Gbps ports for external storage or peripherals.
Figure 7: Front and back panel connections, including dual 5GbE LAN ports and USB 10Gbps ports.
Figure 8: The dual 5GbE ports support speeds up to 1020MB/s for fast data transfer.
1.4 Initializing the System
After connecting the hardware, power on the NAS. The system will boot up and can be initialized via the TERRAMASTER Operating System (TOS 6.0) interface.
- Direct Data Drive Mounting: The F4-425 Plus supports direct data drive mounting, allowing you to hot-plug existing data drives without reformatting, provided TOS 6 is installed on a new drive first.
Video 1: Official TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus overview, demonstrating key features and setup. This video provides a visual guide to the product's capabilities and initial configuration steps.
2. Operating the NAS
2.1 TERRAMASTER Operating System (TOS 6.0)
The F4-425 Plus runs on TOS 6.0, a user-friendly operating system designed for intuitive data management and application access. Access the web interface via your browser using the NAS's IP address.
2.2 File Management and Access
Manage your files, create shared folders, and set user permissions through the TOS interface. The F4-425 Plus supports various access methods:
- TerraSync: Seamless file sharing and synchronization for team collaboration across different platforms (PC/Mac).
- TNAS Mobile App: Full remote control and mobile photo backup, sharing, and management from your smartphone or tablet.
- Remote Access: Access your files anytime, anywhere.
Figure 9: TerraSync facilitates seamless file sharing and synchronization for collaborative work.
Figure 10: Overview of features including PC storage expansion, guest access, flexible access control, team shared folders, remote access, and recycle bin permission management.
Figure 11: TNAS Mobile app provides mobile photo backup, one-tap sharing, remote access, and smart album management with AI categorization.
2.3 Multimedia Server
The F4-425 Plus is an ideal multimedia hub, supporting 4K/8K transcoding for smooth streaming with applications like Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin. Install these applications directly from the App Center in TOS 6.0.
Figure 12: The NAS serves as a powerful multimedia hub, supporting streaming services like Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin.
Figure 13: The F4-425 Plus supports hardware-accelerated 8K video decoding for lag-free streaming.
2.4 Business and Advanced Features
For professional and business users, the F4-425 Plus offers:
- Business Backup Suite (BBS): Comprehensive backup solutions including local, sync, cloud, and disaster recovery.
- Docker, Virtual Machines, Portainer: Support for running various applications and virtualized environments.
- Surveillance Manager: Connect and manage IP cameras for real-time monitoring and historical video review.
Figure 14: The Business Backup Suite (BBS) offers various backup options for enterprise-grade data protection.
Figure 15: Surveillance Manager allows effortless connection and management of cameras for security monitoring.
3. Maintenance
3.1 Data Protection with TRAID
TERRAMASTER's exclusive TRAID technology optimizes storage capacity while providing robust data protection, similar to RAID but with enhanced flexibility.
- TFSS Snapshots: Create point-in-time copies of your data for easy recovery.
- HyperLock-WORM: Write Once, Read Many functionality for enhanced data security and compliance.
Figure 16: TRAID technology maximizes HDD utilization while maintaining reliable data protection, offering advantages over traditional RAID.
3.2 System Updates
Regularly check for and install system updates via the TOS 6.0 interface to ensure optimal performance, security, and access to new features.
3.3 Hardware Cleaning
To maintain optimal performance and longevity, periodically clean the exterior of the NAS and ensure the cooling fans are free from dust accumulation. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Ensure the device is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
4. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus, consider the following common solutions:
- NAS Not Powering On: Verify the power adapter is securely connected to both the NAS and a working power outlet. Check the power indicator light on the adapter.
- Cannot Access NAS on Network: Ensure the Ethernet cable(s) are properly connected to both the NAS and your router/switch. Check network indicator lights on the NAS and your network device. Confirm your computer is on the same network segment as the NAS.
- Hard Drive Not Detected: Ensure hard drives are correctly seated in their trays and the trays are fully inserted into the bays. If using 2.5-inch drives, confirm screws are tightened.
- Slow Performance: Check network cable quality (ensure 5GbE compatibility for optimal speeds). Monitor CPU/RAM usage via TOS. Ensure sufficient free space on drives.
- System Initialization Issues: If initialization gets stuck, try replacing the hard drive and attempting again. Ensure you are following the correct initialization procedure for TOS 6.0.
For more detailed troubleshooting guides and solutions, please refer to the official TERRAMASTER support website.
5. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | F4-425 Plus |
| CPU | Intel N150 Quad-Core (up to 3.6GHz) |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 |
| Drive Bays | 4 x 3.5"/2.5" SATA HDD/SSD |
| M.2 Slots | 3 x M.2 NVMe SSD (up to 8TB each) |
| Max Internal Capacity | 144TB (30TB per HDD + 8TB per M.2 SSD) |
| LAN Ports | 2 x 5GbE LAN (supports Link Aggregation, SMB Multichannel) |
| USB Ports | USB 10Gbps (Type-A x 3, Type-C x 1) |
| HDMI Output | 1 (for terminal output only) |
| Product Dimensions | 8.62 x 7.13 x 5.91 inches (21.89 x 18.11 x 15.01 cm) |
| Item Weight | 6.38 pounds (2.89 kg) |
| Material | Aluminum-alloy chassis |
| Color | Silver |
Figure 17: Summary of the F4-425 Plus's main technical specifications.
6. Warranty Information
The TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. For specific details regarding warranty duration, coverage, and terms, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official TERRAMASTER website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
7. Support
For further assistance, technical support, firmware updates, and frequently asked questions, please visit the official TERRAMASTER support website:
You can also find community forums and additional resources to help you maximize your TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus experience.
